Bike Convoys

What's a bike convoy?

We're glad you asked! A bike convoy is a group of awesome cyclists that travel together, typically accompanied by experienced cyclists or bike escorts for protection. Convoys are usually organized in advance of an organized event, with an announced location and "roll-out" (departure) time. Cyclists near that location (or passing by that location on their way to the event) will meet and cycle together to the event.

Who organizes bike convoys?

Fellow cyclists attending the same bike event usually organize a convoy so they can meet other attendees and ride together. We recommend you always know the destination of where you are heading and travel with a buddy. If it's your first time and you have a question about whether a convoy is legit or not, we suggest contacting the main event organizers.

Why travel with a bike convoy?

Biking alone isn't fun (especially if you're in costume for Boston Bike Party), and there is safety in numbers in biking together! You get to meet cool, friendly cyclists who can teach you a few tricks (e.g., like switching out that backpack for a pannier) or engage you in delightful conversation and become regular biking buddies. There's a lower chance you will get lost and is especially helpful if you are new to the area.

Where can I find a bike convoy?

Cyclists are free to unofficially organize their own convoys; we find that outside the MIT Student Center (facing 84 Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA) is a great convoy meeting point. When in doubt, copy and paste the coordinates 42.3260758, -71.1225637 into Google Maps and invite your friends to meet you at this spot (assuming everyone knows how to use GPS).

I have heard about convoys to Boston Bike Party....

MIT PN2K members have led some convoys from the MIT Student Center to the start of Boston Bike Party rides, usually departing at 6:45 PM and meeting at 7:00 PM in Copley Square every second Friday of the month (always check the Boston Bike Party official website for exact details). Here you will join up with hundreds of cyclists to ride in solidarity with Boston Bike Party around the city. We have led convoys from MIT to make it easier for members of the Cambridge community to bike over together because, as you will learn after joining, there is safety in numbers. There is always a theme for each BBP ride so grab your costume and deck your bike with colorful lights before you arrive.

An example of an MIT PN2K convoy led from the MIT Student Center to Boston Bike Party (*note: once you get to Copley, you're on your own!): https://www.pn2k.org/mit-convoy-boston-bike-party-presents/